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Transforming Mental Healthcare, Together

We believe mental healthcare should be accessible, empathic, and rooted in the community. 

The pandemic has brought a harsh truth to light: an overwhelming surge in mental health needs coupled with a critical shortage of licensed clinicians. Through courses like the Lay Counselor Academy, we’ve created a sustainable, human-centered approach to mental healthcare—one therapeutic conversation at a time.

Our Mission

We envision a future where everyone seeking culturally responsive mental health support can find it quickly and locally, provided by compassionate counselors who listen deeply, understand fully, and respond with genuine empathy.

Meet the Co-Creators

The Lay Counselor Academy is the vision of two dedicated leaders committed to reshaping the mental healthcare landscape:

Elizabeth Morrison

Psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, and addiction professional with extensive experience in community mental health advocacy.

Alli Moreno

Lay counselor and community mental health advocate.

Listen to Co-Founder Elizabeth Morrison & Ali Moreno share their story and the mission behind The Lay Counselor Academy

 Empower your team to provide empathic, evidence-based mental healthcare. Transform care delivery and meet the growing behavioral health needs of the community you serve.  

Why Mental Healthcare Matters?

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Mental healthcare is a fundamental human right. By preparing Community Health Workers, Case Managers, School Staff, First Responders, and others to deliver mental health counseling,  we can dramatically expand access to high-quality mental health treatment. 

Through the Lay Counselor Academy, we are advancing a movement that values practical skills over degrees and licenses.  It’s a vision of hope, healing, and accessibility—rooted in genuine connection and empathy.

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The Lay Counselor Academy

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Through the Lay Counselor Academy, we are advancing a movement that values practical skills over degrees and licenses.  It’s a vision of hope, healing, and accessibility—rooted in genuine connection and empathy.

Partner with Us!

Whether you want to enhance your organization’s mental health treatment capacity, support your employees, or explore our resources, we’re here to help.

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The Lay Counselor Academy

Transform your community by mastering essential counseling skills through our practice-based training program.
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Supporting Employee Mental Health

Enhance workplace wellbeing with evidence-based mental health support services for your entire team.
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Practical Healthcare Resources to Use

Access practical tools and proven frameworks to deliver more effective, human-centered healthcare services

Interested in the Lay Counselor Academy for your organization?

Contact us to see how the Lay Counselor Academy
can transform your organization